Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson broke Jerry Rice's single season receiving yards record tonight, surpassing the 1,848 yard record in the fourth quarter of the Lions game against the Atlanta Falcons. Johnson came into the game needing 167 yards, gaining 163 of those in the first three quarters.

Johnson claimed the record with 2:57 left in the game on a 27-yard gain after a short crossing route.

In a season that saw the Lions completely disappoint, entering the night tied for the worst record in the NFC, Johnson's chase of Rice's record has kept the Detroit fan base engaged and excited. The chants of "Calvin" were deafening in Ford Field.

The NFL scheduled a Saturday night game this week to keep a "Monday Night Football" broadcast on the schedule, but not have the game on Christmas Eve. This is the final "MNF" game of the season. The league does not schedule night games in Week 17.

Johnson and the Lions host the Bears next week and could be looking to get Johnson to 2,000 yards receiving in a single season.